Apparatus and methods for bending a needle

Abstract

Methods and devices for bending a needle are provided. A device embodiment can include a needle bending apparatus for imparting a bend in a needle when a needle is received therein. The needle bending apparatus may include a housing having an aperture for receiving a shaft of a needle; and at least one abutment member comprising a needle interfacing surface for supporting a portion of the needle and providing a surface upon which the needle may be bent.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A needle bending apparatus, comprising:
 a housing having an aperture for receiving a shaft of a needle, the aperture comprising a longitudinal axis; 
 a first and second abutment member disposed on a front side of the housing; 
 at least one abutment member of the first and second abutment members comprising a needle interfacing surface for supporting a portion of the needle and providing a surface upon which the needle may be bent; 
 wherein the aperture is between the first and the second abutment members and wherein the housing comprises on the front side thereof: grooves for receiving at least a portion of a needle and maintaining said portion of the needle while the needle is bent, said grooves demarcating an angle of the bend of the bent needle, the grooves comprising a first groove positioned at a 10-degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aperture, said first groove for aligning with a needle to impart a 10 degree angle bend in the needle, a second groove positioned at a 15 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aperture, said second groove for aligning with a needle to impart a 15 degree angle bend in the needle, and a third groove positioned at a 20 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aperture, said third groove for aligning with a needle to impart a 20 degree angle bend in the needle. 
 
     
     
       2. The needle bending apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising on the front-side of the housing at least one indicator for identifying a position along a shaft of the needle for imparting a bend upon alignment of the needle with the indicator. 
     
     
       3. A method for bending a needle comprising:
 positioning a needle through the aperture, and in the first, second, or third groove of an apparatus, according to  claim 1 , such that a shaft of the needle traverses the aperture and is placed against the needle interfacing surface; and 
 applying a force on a proximal end of the needle to bend the needle around the at least one abutment member to impart a bend on the needle.